1. Details of the training programme for the review experts of GHG inventories

The courses of the training programme are intended to train review experts for the technical review
of information reported under the Convention related to GHG inventories by Annex I Parties.

The courses of the training programme are mandatory for any expert with relevant GHG inventory
experience, who has not previously participated in GHG inventory reviews. Each trainee
taking the basic course will be required to study the general module and one sector-specific
module. Trainees are allocated to sector-specific modules based on their previous
experience in national GHG inventories and the needs of the inventory review process. At the
request of any Party, the training courses will also be made available to other experts interested in
the technical review of GHG inventories.

All courses are available on-lineand offered thru the Internet in an
e-learning format for a study period of six weeks each year. During this period, trainees are
expected to dedicate time to complete and follow the on-line courses. Instructors are available during this
period to answer questions on the course content and to monitor the individual performance of trainees
throughout their study. for trainees with limited access to Internet, the secretariat can provide the
e-learning courses on a CD-ROM. The working language for the training is English. A
good command of this language is required for participating in the training programme.

Following completion of the on-line courses, the UNFCCC secretariat conducts a closing training
seminar for around 30 trainees each year to provide additional hands-on experience with inventory
review materials. During the seminar, trainees conduct a simulation of a centralized review of real
GHG inventory materials with the support of instructors and the secretariat. The seminar will conclude
with mandatory two examinations for all trainees on the basic course contents,
covering both general and sector-specific aspects of inventory reviews. Additional regional training
seminars following a study period of six weeks may also be offered, depending on the availability of
resources.

The on-line courses are also available to trainees all year round, without support of
instructors. In this case, other arrangements for examinations could be made,
provided that examinations take place under the supervision of the secretariat and that
this does not require additional resources.

New GHG inventory review experts who successfully complete the requirements of the training
programme and pass the mandatory examinations will be invited to participate in centralized or
in-country reviews under the Convention, working alongside experienced review experts.
New review experts who do not pass an examination at the first attempt may retake the
examination once only, provided that the expert has fulfilled all of the tasks assigned
during the training in a timely manner and that the retake does not require the secretariat to incur
additional costs.

Basic course

The course, in its general module, covers a comprehensive introduction to the new “Guidelines for the
technical review of information reported under the Convention related to greenhouse gas inventories,
biennial reports and national communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention” in the
part related to the GHG inventory reviews, an overview of the “Guidelines for the preparation of
national communications by Parties included in Annex I to the Convention, Part I: UNFCCC reporting
guidelines on annual greenhouse gas inventories”, guidance on procedures and approaches for the
technical review of GHG inventories and general IPCC inventory guidance with the application of the 2006
IPCC Guidelines.

The course, in its individual modules, covers specific aspects of the review of the energy; industrial
processes and product use; agriculture; land use, land-use change and forestry; and waste sectors. This
course also provides guidance on drafting substantive review reports that are consistent among review teams
and reader friendly.

Target audience: New and experienced review experts of GHG inventories.

Type of course: On-line facilitated by instructors, with a closing training seminar.

Examination requirements: New review experts of GHG inventories must pass the general examination
and a sectoral examination before participating in expert review teams. Lead reviewers and experienced
review experts of GHG inventories are encouraged to take the examinations. Examinations are in writing and
conducted in person.

Review of complex models and higher tier methods

The course provides general guidance, procedures, and specific aspects for the review of emission estimates
performed using complex models and higher tier methods, in particular tier 3 methods. For this course are
implemented two optional self-check electronic examinations, one for the LULUCF sector and the other for
all the other IPCC sectors.

Target audience: Lead reviewers and review experts of GHG inventories.

The annual seminar provides general guidance on specific and complex aspects of the technical review of GHG
emission estimates. It enables experienced review experts to strengthen and refresh their knowledge, in
relation to both cross-cutting aspects and sector-specific issues, including relevant supplementary
information.